Relief has emerged from the Perth Hills bushfire disaster after four people previously unaccounted for were found safe and well.
Vision taken from Matthews Way, Stoneville, where eight houses were burnt in yesterday's bushfire. Courtesy Colin Murty, The Australian.
Firefighters battle the devastating blaze in Perth Hills. Picture: DFES Source: Supplied
Bushfires raged across Perth, claiming one life and destroying at least 27 homes.
Residents affected by the fire attend a community meeting held at Brown Park Community Centre. It was suggested that this resident had just heard the news her home had been destroyed. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Limited
THE devastation continues to mount in the Perth Hills bushfire disaster with 52 homes confirmed lost.
But relief has emerged this afternoon after four missing people feared to have been victims of the blaze were found safe.
Police and fire authorities spent most of today desperately trying to find four locals missing since yesterday's devastating fires.
Meanwhile, firefighters were aided by the cooler weather today, with the blaze contained but not under control. A watch and act alert remains for the eastern part of Parkerville, Stoneville and Mount Helena.
Many residents will return to their fire-ravaged homes for the first time tomorrow with escorted visits planned. Further information will be revealed at a community meeting at 10am.
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Earlier today, Fire Commissioner Wayne Gregson said authorities were unsure if the four people were in the fire zone amid fears they had possibly fallen "victim to the fire".
But the Department of Fire and Emergency Services late this afternoon confirmed the people had either been tracked down or had reported to authorities.
A DFES spokeswoman said three of the four missing, all unrelated, were not in the fire zone at the time of the blaze, while one person remained at home protecting their house.
People had left the fire zone and were with family or friends or at another of their residences. DFES had sent its urban search and rescue team to look for the people.
Stephanie Bock, 27, walks past her burnt out neighbour's house with a bag of her personal belongings. Picture: Colin Murty Source: News Limited
Escorted returns tomorrow
The owners of those 52 gutted homes will be escorted to the charred ruins by shire and DFES officials tomorrow.
Another community meeting will be held at 10am tomorrow at Brown Park in Swan View.
People at a community meeting this afternoon were told 49 homes were gutted. DFES later confirmed the toll had reached 52 homes.
DFES Commander Stuart Wade told the meeting that some of the homes confirmed lost in the blaze were on Richardson Road, Riley Road, Matthews Way, Fennel Court and Cousins Way.
Cdr Wade told the several hundred people at the meeting 85 per cent of the fire had been tracked.
Cdr Wade said those who had lost their homes had been notified. He said those people would be escorted to see their homes tomorrow.
But he said it would be "a number of days" before most residents can get complete access to their homes which are in the fire zone.
He said this was due to major "hot spots" which were still active in the fire zone.
He said there was a case of a resident today who had gone back into the fire zone who later burnt their feet and hands.
"Firefighting resources were then redeployed looking for that person," he said.
"That was taken away from the efforts that we wold normally do."
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Acting WA Police Superintendent Wayne Dawes used the afternoon community briefing to allay concerns there were reports of looting in the fire-affected areas.
He said there was no confirmation of any looting.
It's understood the resident who burnt his hands and feet today in the fire zone was one of the four previously unaccounted for.
It's believed he later presented himself to hospital after being burned.
Tears and disbelief
Noelene Michels, from Helena Valley, said she knew her house was close to the fire zone and that her son was still there, but she could not reach him due to roadblocks.
"We think it is ok, but we can't get through to check," she said.
Sally and Gary Elwood, from nearby Narla Retreat, already knew their home of 30 years was gone.
"I am a bit shocked, but until I physically see, it won't hit me fully, but I have seen it on Facebook so I know it is ours," Ms Elwood said.
"I know it is gone, but my glass is half full - the kids are fine, everyone is fine. We will just rebuild, at 48 - bloody hell."
Some of those at the 4pm meeting today were people who had lost their homes.
PerthNow spoke briefly to two separate couples - one in their 20s while the other middle aged - whose properties have been confirmed destroyed.
Both were too devastated to speak.
The young woman was in tears as she spoke with officials after the meeting and was too upset to speak any further.
Stoneville resident Paula Sajtinac lost her home to a bushfire in 2008. She was at the meeting at 4pm today and rose to speak at the meeting to extend her condolences to those affected.
"These people are in for a rough ride," she told PerthNow after the meeting.
"It affects you mentally, physically…everything."
Ms Sajtinac said as far as she was aware her home was still standing.
"We can't rest, it's so frustrating, until we know that that fire is out, we can start breathing again," she said.
"The fire came within three streets of my home but I just want to see it so that I know I still have a home.
"I can't live through that again…my heart goes out to all these people."
Firefighters battle against the devastating bushfire in Perth's Hills. Picture: Department of Fire and Emergency Services Source: Supplied
Geoff Bromilow, who lives on Conradi Place in Stoneville, left his home on Sunday with his partner, two dogs and his cat.
"We chose to get going, we rounded all the stuff we needed in terms of clothing and we have not been back since," Mr Bromilow said.
He added a neighbour of his had stayed to defend his property.
"As neighbours we have concerns for him…he said the front of our house looks ok," he said.
"But he also said his clothesline is like a dollop of plastic on the ground.
"I've been through quite a few bushfires and this is along the lines of one of the worst I have been around.
"A lot of where it (the fire) was, was hard to access so it made it a lot harder for the people trying to put it out."
Mundaring Shire president Helen Dullard said many residents were relieved to escape the flames.
"Visually, it was a very ugly fire. It was scary," she said.
The fate of livestock and pets is unknown but residents are bracing for the worst, while some firefighters have been treated for heat exhaustion and bee stings.
'It could have been a lot worse'
Fire chief Wayne Gregson said while heartbreaking the damage could have been much worse as more than 400 properties were at risk.
"We had done significant planning in regards to the amount of available resources," he said.
"I believe all of those preparatory efforts made a great difference to the way in which we were able to respond, there were a number of fires across the metropolitan area.
"We dealt with over 200 fires at the weekend, five or six of those were major incidents for us, including this one here.
"The damage was awful and I feel very sorry for those who lost their homes, but it could have been a lot worse.
"There were over 400 residential dwellings in the front of the fire, the intensity of the fire was such that it was unassailable in the front, firefighters had to fight the flanks."
A fire in Stoneville has led to evacuations and loss of property. A house on Narla Retreat is lost to the flames. Source: News Limited
DFES says the fire has been ``contained, not completely controlled''.
``There are few hotspots to the flank of the fire. We expect it to be under control by mid-afternoon. The weather is now on our side,'' the spokesman said.
One firefighter is being treated for a knee injury and DFES said their personnel had suffered ``no significant injuries'', despite working long shifts through the night and battling exhaustion to continue their efforts to contain the blaze.
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The fire has burnt more than 650ha. A 62-year-old Hovea man died from a suspected heart attack while trying to protect his home from another fire yesterday in the John Forrest National Park.
More than 350 personnel from various departments have been involved in trying to fight the flames, some of which were up to 20m high.
Dozens of families were evacuated to two makeshift centres overnight - many not knowing if their homes still stood.
More than 400 residents affected by the fire have registered at the welfare evacuation centre at Brown Park in Swan View both yesterday and today.
Department for Child Protection and Family Support director-general Terry Murphy said affected residents had been given access to all the support they need.
"People have spent time at the centre where they have been provided with meals, clothing and personal items, personal support such as counselling and psychology services, and access to shower facilities and other services they may require," he said.
"Twenty people were accommodated at the evacuation centre overnight."
Pregnant resident Sian Musgrove, 31, doesn't know if her family house of 50 years is still standing. Picture: Colin Murty Source: News Limited
The loss of homes and property in the Perth Hills region can be seen from the air after a massive fire swept through the region on Sunday. Picture: Matthew Poon Source: News Limited
Weather update
A COOL change brought a reprieve for firefighters today but sweltering conditions and catastrophic fire danger ratings will return at the end of the week.
After Perth sweated through its hottest night on record on Saturday, a cooler change and south-westerly winds today means the forecast maximum is just 29C.
The mercury will hit 30C tomorrow before temperatures return to the high 20s for Wednesday and Thursday.
But firefighters will again be on their highest alert when the weekend approaches, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning hot north-easterly winds will crank up temperatures later in the week.
The bureau has forecast 38C on Saturday and 37C on Sunday, with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services again expected to issue ``catastrophic'' fire warnings for areas around Perth and elsewhere in WA.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 1300 657 209, follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.
WHAT TO DO:
* Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
* Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
* Read through your bushfire survival plan.
* If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.
A fire in Stoneville has led to evacuations and loss of property. A house on Ayres Road is lost to the flames. Source: News Limited
The cause
The cause of the blaze has still not been confirmed. But Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis believes a power pole on private property caused the fire.
Investigators are believed to have pinpointed the ignition point of the fire late yesterday to a private property in the Perth Hills.
There are a number of semi-rural properties within the area that have constructed privately owned powerlines and poles.
Energy Safety warns residents that the responsibility for maintenance of those lines rests with the property owner.
"If overhead power lines aren't inspected and maintained, they can clash or be brought down by strong winds, falling trees and branches, creating a serious safety and bushfire risk," it warns on its website.
"Just as network operators are required to maintain the power lines and poles that they own, customers with privately-owned power lines are required to do the same."
The loss of homes and property in the Perth Hills region can be seen from the air after a massive fire swept through the region on Sunday. Picture: Matthew Poon Source: News Limited
Homes without power
Electricity has been restored to 300 homes today, leaving about 700 homes without power.
Western Power reported tonight that it may be some time before power can be restored to the remaining homes because the network will need to be rebuilt.
About 150 power poles are understood to have been destroyed or damaged in the blaze.
"In the fire affected area there are numerous burnt power poles and lines across roads," a Western Power spokeswoman said.
"Our crews have not yet been able to access the fire affected area to start rebuilding the electricity network however they have connected a mobile generator to local shops on Stoneville Rd to help customers."
The aftermath of the devastating bushfire in Perth Hills. Picture: Colin Murty Source: News Limited
What to do? Make the safe call.
1) If you see fallen power lines - stay clear and call Western Power's emergency line on 13 13 51.
2) If power lines fall across your car - stay inside the car until help arrives.
A fire in Stoneville has led to evacuations and loss of property. Resident Rob Coumbe thanks fellow resident Sam Inu for saving his house from being burnt down. Sam has been touted a hero for saving four other families houses from being burnt down. Rob and Sam live on Narla Retreat in Stoneville. Source: News Limited
Premier cuts short leave
The Premier, Colin Barnett, has cut short his annual leave and is working out the details of an assistance package for victims of yesterday's Perth Hills inferno.
A spokesman for the Premier said: "Officially he's still on leave but he's in the office this morning. Obviously there will be a short-term assistance package for people who have lost their homes or been affected by the fire and we're working out exactly what that will be this morning.''
Mr Barnett was holidaying at home and did not have to return from overseas or interstate. He attended a community meeting for residents this morning.
But it was Deputy Premier Kim Hames who announced the State Government would be providing $1 million to the Lord Mayor's relief fund.
A fire in Stoneville has led to evacuations and loss of property. A resident on Ayres Road discovers the house has been burnt down. Picture: Jackson Flindell Source: News Limited
Insurance claims
The blaze is still smouldering, but Perth Hills residents have already been told to get the ball rolling on their insurance claims.
And insurance companies have promised to make the claims of fire-affected homeowners a ``priority''.
Insurance Council of Australia spokesman Campbell Fuller this morning said the insurance industry was moving quickly to help those in need.
``Anyone who has a policy and who has been affected by the bushfires should contact their insurer as soon as possible and start talking about the claims process and the assistance that the insurer can offer the policy holder,'' he said.
"(Bushfire) claims will be prioritised.''
Heroic stories emerge
Heroic stories have started to emerge from the fire zone, with one man saving four houses by himself. When PerthNow found him he was still trying to extinguish burning stumps with a bucket of water.
Sam Inu used a bucket to fill with water and put out spot fires as he saw them.
He was using a 20L bucket and going back and forth from the neighbour's pool to put out the fires.
He told PerthNow "nothing" was going through his mind apart from saving his house.
"I just didn't want my house to burn, I wasn't going to let a fire take my house," Mr Inu said.
Firefighters battle the devastating blaze in Perth Hills. Picture: DFES Source: Supplied
A family of six who lost their Stoneville home said authorities were incredibly helpful.
"We know they did everything they could have," Symone said.
Some people who tried to fight their houses couldn't because there wasn't enough water pressure.
Deborah told PerthNow the fire was "bigger than any of us thought it was going to be."
"It's unfortunate that some of us have just lost our houses," she said.
Deborah and her family have lived in Stoneville since 2008 and said she had never seen anything like this fire.
Other residents told PerthNow the wind was going in every direction as they fled their homes.
They heard of neighbours using water from spas to try and protect their homes.
Bert said he worked to save his house.
"The brigade let me in once they thought it was safe," he said.
Sawyers Valley resident Joy Smith told PerthNow how she and her husband helped evacuate collector's cars to the local oval.
She said she had heard of a son's friend - a 25-year-old first homebuyer - who was one of 18 Stoneville residents confirmed to have lost their houses today.
West Coast Waves captain Melissa Marsh tweeted that her team-mate Shani Amos had lost her family home in the fire.
At 12.51pm yesterday, St John Ambulance officers were called to a Hovea house where a man had collapsed on his roof. He had reportedly been trying to defend his home from the fire.
"St John responded to the incident but was unable to access the roof. Despite assistance from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services in getting onto the roof, the man passed away at the scene," a SJA spokesman said.
A minute later, a man fell through the roof of a house in Stoneville and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital. The 52-year-old man is in a serious but stable condition.
Flames were 20m high in yesterday's unpredictable and fast-moving blaze in Parkerville, which was first reported at 11am and crossed over into Stoneville and Mt Helena.
A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited
SJA attended a small number of fire-related callouts in the Perth Hills yesterday. Two first aid crews, a paramedic crew, and an emergency management unit vehicle have been sent to provide first aid and support in Parkerville.
At 12.17pm, St John attended to a 74-year-old man in Pickering Brook who was complaining of chest pains. The man was taken to RPH, where he was last night in a stable condition.
Firefighters battle the devastating blaze in Perth Hills. Picture: DFES Source: Supplied
The fire started between Jonhston Road and Granite Road, before it has crossed Stoneville Road near Riley Road and is now burning towards Mount Helena and Chidlow.
Geraldton
A blaze in Geraldton that was out of control is now contained.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said there was no immediate danger or threat to lives or homes from the fire near the Geraldton Mount Magnet Rd.
"Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes. The fire is burning approximately five kilometres north of the road," a spokesman said.
The road has now been reopened.
A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited
A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited
Firefighters battle the devastating blaze in Perth Hills. Picture: DFES Source: Supplied
A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property Source: News Limited
The Perth Hills blaze was the worst in a horror weekend for WA fire authorities, who battled fires in Wanneroo, Boddington, Denmark, Gosnells, Shark Bay and a major fire in Baldivis yesterday.
The fires came after two successive days of 40-degree heat in Perth, and an oppressive heatwave in the northern part of the state all week.
This is the latest devastating blaze in WA in the past several years. In December 2009, 38 homes in Toodyay were destroyed by fire, while in February 2011 71 homes were lost in Roleystone and Kelmscott. In November 2011, a fire destroyed some 50 properties in Margaret River.
For updated information people can call DFES on 1300 657 209.
Reports of suspicious behaviour can be made to CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
The Perth Hills fire is continuing to rage, with dozens of firefighters battling the blaze and two evacuation centres set up. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited
Stay alert and monitor your surroundings
Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
Read through your bushfire survival plan.
If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.
Road closures:
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.
The following roads have been closed:
Keane Street and Alice Road in Mount Helena
Princess Road and Cook Street in Mount Helena
Kintore Road and Riley Road in Parkerville
Stoneville Road and Malumba Place in Stoneville
Jarrah Road and Stoneville Road in Mundaring
Stoneville Road and Prosperity Road in Stoneville
Stretch Road and Kean Street Mount Helena
Kilburn Road and Schoch Road in Parkerville
Riley Road and Sexton Street in Mount Helena
Stoneville Road in Stoneville and Riley Road in Parkerville
Alice Road and Prosperity Road in Mount Helena
Granite Road and Richardson Road in Parkerville
For further details contact Main Roads WA on 138 138 or visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au
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